National Running Day Celebrated Wednesday

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, June 06, 2012

This year National Running Day has arrived on Wednesday with runners everywhere celebrating their favorite exercise.

Observed each year on the first Wednesday in June, National Running Day sheds light and opens discussions about the exercise.

It is "a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running," states the National Running Day website.

"Wherever we are and whomever we're with, we run - fast or slow, alone or with others, all over town or just around the block," continues the official site.

"It is a coast-to-coast celebration of a sport and activity that's simple, inexpensive and fun. It's the perfect way for longtime runners to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment."

Running employs numerous muscles in the body and is a favorite among physically active people. Many runners participate in competitive races, such as the Boston marathon in May that saw nearly 22,500 participants.

National Running Day urges Americans to "wear your running shoes, grab a friend, and go!" The event also promotes eating healthfully and leading fitter lives.

With the obesity statistics of today in America, National Running Day has been met with enthusiasm on Wednesday. The holiday became a trending topic on Twitter while over 35,000 Facebook users "liked" the National Running Day page.

Many runners posted well wishes on Twitter about National Running Day, while others explained their love of running and how they would be celebrating the event on Wednesday.

"Hard to even begin to describe all that running has given me," wrote Nick. "Forever grateful to the sport and these two legs. Happy National Running Day!"

"Celebrated yesterday with a 3 mile run for cross country," posted Bekah.

Holly wrote, "Headed to Central Park for a little jog with the lovely Sara Jean Ford."

Tri-Now Endurance posted, "We will be celebrating with our Run Power workout tonight," while Emily wrote, "Too bad I plan on spending my day out by the pool in stead of running."

"Run your heart out today," wrote Bell.